Age-Friendly Newsletters

AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY Bethel Area ~ Volume 26 ~ January 31, 2017The AFCI sends a big thank-you to Bethel native and part-time Florida resident, Mike Stowell. Mike recently made a generous donation to the AFCI Transportation initiative, enabling it to be sustained beyond its first year. If you need a ride, you may call our Volunteer Driver Program coordinator, Kay Larson, at 824-4444. Thanks, Mike!Sunday, February 5: visit the Mahoosuc Land Trust’s new home, the Valentine Conservation Center, 162 North Road (right past the Bethel Regional Airport). As part of the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend, from 1:30-3:30 there will be refreshments and a tour inside; outside, naturalist Paul Motts will lead a snowshoe and wildlife tracking event. FMI: mlt@mahoousc.org, 207-824-3806.Thursday, February 9 (snow date Feb. 16), 4:30-6:00 at the WP Congregational Church, Bethel - WMSC To Your Health: Be Smart about your Heart. FMI: Rosabelle Tifft (rmtifft@megalink.net. 824-2053). The AFCI Morning Greeting program has been developing a morning calling and check-in system for area residents who are60 years or older and live alone, as well as adults with disabilities who live alone. The service will be free, confidential, neighborly, phone-based, 7 days per week, consistent, and sustainable. Be watching for more details as the program gets further developed. FMI: Kay Larson (kaymail3333@gmail.com, 824-3333). Maine Adaptive’s Nordic cross country ski and snowshoe program is open to people with physical disabilities, which includes hearing or vision loss, chronic conditions such as MS or Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injuries, or balance or mobility issues due to strokes or debilitating arthritis. Seniors with any of these issues may come to the Bethel Community Trails (at the Bethel Inn), Fridays, 9:30 to noon; equipment is supplied, as well as volunteer guides and instructors. Advance registration required - forms at www.maineadaptive.org/join-us/participate/. FMI: info@maineadaptive.org or Brandon Merry (207-824-2440 x 1107).

Don’t forget that the Bethel Library has a collection of books on age-related topics, as well as a collection of used AARP publications for the taking. From the AARP daily news alert: Don’t “unsubscribe” or “opt out” (from unsolicited e-mailings). Logic may suggest that following “unsubscribe” links in unsolicited email and “opt out” options in robo-calls (most of which are illegal) will curb the flow, but doing so only confirms a live email address or phone number to fraudsters. Unless you know the message is from a trusted business you’ve previously dealt with, just delete or hang up. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free, individualized tax preparation for low-to moderate-income taxpayers aged 50 and older. The closest site is Norway Memorial Library at 258 Main St., Norway. FMI: www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-2004/about_aarp_taxaide.html. Over the next few weeks, we will be offering tips from Consumer Reports on finding the best prescription drug prices. For the full story: http://www.consumerreports.org/drugs/6-tips-for-finding-the-best-prescription-drug-prices/. Today’s tips:

Skip chain drugstores. The study found big pharmacy chains consistently charging the most. “Among all of the walk-in stores, Costco offered the lowest prices. You don’t need to be a member to use its pharmacy, though joining can net you more discounts.”

Support independents. Often (but not always) mom and pop stores and supermarkets offer real bargains, and pharmacists might have more flexibility to match or beat competitors’ prices.

“Don't always use your health insurance. Many chain and big-box stores offer hundreds of common generics at very low prices to people who pay out of pocket.” Watch for sign-up fees and eligibility with Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare insurance.